Advice On Packing 4 Commonly Damaged Items For Moving
Moving house can be a stressful experience, but it can be made more bearable if you can be confident that your property will arrive undamaged at its final destination. Clearly, using professional removalists for your relocation is much better than going the DIY route, but packing your valuables correctly is the key to ensuring their safety whilst in transit. Check out the following tips for packing four of the most commonly damaged items.
Works of art
Artworks are notoriously problematic to move. You should always pack your pieces in proper travelling frames that are custom made to fit the artwork's frame if possible. The containers used to carry and store the pieces should be a snug fit and should also be well-padded so that the pictures don't move around in transit. Always mark the containers 'fragile – art' and be sure to point them out to your removalist.
China, ceramic and porcelain
Many items of china and porcelain are extremely fragile and can easily be chipped or cracked. Invest in a roll of bubble wrap, save up some old newspapers and get some parcel tape from the post office. Start by wrapping individual items in several sheets of old newspaper, and then cover them in a layer of bubble wrap. Secure the whole package with parcel tape. Items such as teapots and cups should be stuffed with balled-up newspaper before wrapping in sheets of paper and bubble wrap. Fill a sturdy box with straw, polystyrene beans or screwed-up newspaper and use a towel or blanket to pad the top of the box. Don't place items immediately next to each other without a layer of padding between to avoid vibration damage.
Sports gear
If you play sports, such as tennis or squash, be very careful when packing your gear as items like rackets can be easily damaged. Always use the correct cases and if possible, pack the equipment in the original boxes it came in. If you own larger pieces of more technical equipment like running or rowing machines, read the manufacturer's guidelines on moving the pieces.
Houseplants
Most people prefer to bring their houseplants with them rather than starting afresh. Give your plants a good watering a couple of days before moving, and then sit the pots inside plastic bags to avoid making a mess. Place plant sleeves (available from florist shops) around the plants to protect the leaves and sit the plants in boxes with scrunched-up newspaper in between each plant to prevent them knocking into each other whilst in transit.
You can take steps to protect your cherished valuables by taking extra care when packing them for your move. Follow the tips given above and always ask your removalists for their professional advice and guidance.
Share
